Russian Air-to-air Missiles - Islamic World News

The KS‑172, also known as K‑100, Izdeliye‑172, AAM‑L, and R‑172, is a Russian very‑long‑range air‑to‑air missile designed to target Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, and command‑and‑control planes. According to various sources, its claimed range extends up to 400 kilometers. The design and development of the KS‑172 has been a lengthy and complex project, and recent reports in 2025 suggest that the missile has entered service with the Russian Air Force. In this article, we will take a closer look at KS-172 missile.

The R-77 air-to-air missile is regarded as one of the most important medium-range weapons of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Featuring a distinctive lattice-fin design, it offers high agility and maneuverability, and in advanced variants such as the R-77M, its range has been extended to 193 kilometers. Equipped with a multifunction active radar, data link, proximity fuse, and fragmentation warhead, the R-77 is considered a true “fire-and-forget” weapon capable of independent target engagement, and today forms part of the armament of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter.

The R-37M missile is a Russian long-range, solid-fuel, supersonic air-to-air missile, regarded as one of the longest-range operational air-to-air weapons in the world. With active radar guidance and a range exceeding 300 km, it is an ideal option for targeting aerial refueling tankers, AWACS aircraft, and other standoff airborne platforms.

The R-73 missile is a short-range, infrared-guided air-to-air missile designed by Vympel NPO. Entering service in 1984, it is known in NATO designation as the AA-11 Archer.